University of Maryland College Park or UCLA?

Question

Which one would you rather attend? I would like to go to either schools but I have a hard time deciding.

Answer 1

Both are excellent public universities. Overall, UCLA is ranked higher -- but Maryland has many programs that are very highly ranked. For certain majors, Maryland would be a better choice.

If you don't have a major where one of the schools is a clear favorite, ase you decision on whether you want to be in LA or near DC.

I got my PhD in California -- and hated living in the state. I now teach at Maryland -- and love the area.

Either way, you will go to a great school and live in an area with horrible traffic problems.

Answer 2

If you have been granted admission to both, start looking at the particular programs in which you are interested. From there, look at departmental rankings that can be found through US News or Princeton Review. While those rankings should be taken with a (large) grain of salt, they could help if the decision is close. You might also consider tuition cost, quality of living, sports interests, location, financial aid, and things like that. Once you gain acceptance, that's the time to ask questions about departments, as you are much more likely to get a real response from at least a departmental representative.

For my money, I would prefer Maryland, but that's just me.

Answer 3

Maryland.